JLARC audit bill seeks clarity on century‑old county forest land trust and DNR trust management
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Summary
House Bill 23‑27 directs JLARC to audit the State Forest Land Trust (county transfer lands) to review legal parameters, DNR performance, and beneficiary protections; counties, former legislators, conservation and timber sector representatives generally supported a third‑party review and recommended amendments to broaden the scope.
House Bill 23‑27 would direct the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) to review the State Forest Land Trust (county forest board lands) to assess its legal framework, DNR's performance as trust manager, and options to ensure beneficiary rights are protected.
Former Representative Jim Buck told the committee the trust was created when counties deeded tax‑delinquent timberlands to the state in the 1930s and that the legislature functions as trustee; he urged a review so legislators can understand the legal obligations tied to nearly 600,000 acres transferred under the 1935 session law.
Rachel Baker of Washington Conservation Action recommended amendments to ensure JLARC considers legal changes over 90 years (including Endangered Species Act impacts), engages tribes, consults the Board of Natural Resources and beneficiaries, and evaluates ecological health alongside timber revenue. Industry witnesses including Heath Heichler and Matt Dohmen said revenues from DNR timber sales have declined and urged an independent audit to compare performance with other trusts.
Paul Jewell (Washington State Association of Counties) and other county representatives supported the audit as a chance to compile a single authoritative history and to explore reconveyance options and other remedies for beneficiaries.
Members asked witnesses for prior audits and cost‑benefit comparisons; the committee closed public testimony and invited follow‑up on specific data requests.